Quantification of Cholesterol Oxidation Products in a Variety of Foods

Abstract

Cholesterol oxidation products (COPS) were estimated in a variety of foods by gas chromatography. Substantial quantities of α- and β-epoxide (2 to 46 and 0 to 111 ppm, respectively) and lesser quantities of 7β-hydroxy- and 7-ketocholesterol were found in powdered egg products. Other foods found to contain COPS included dehydrated chicken, turkey and beef (0 to 43 ppm); and Cheddar, Blue, Romano and Parmesan cheese powders (0 to 17 ppm). Powdered infant formulas and dehydrated baby foods displayed several peaks coinciding to COPS but none were confirmed by mass spectroscopy. COPS were either not detected or noted at < 15 ppm in fresh dairy products.